The FDA has approved Ozempic (semaglutide) as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Indications: Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Dosage and administration: Start at 0.25 mg once weekly. After 4 weeks, increase the dose to 0.5 mg once weekly. If after at least 4 weeks additional glycemic control is needed, increase to 1 mg once weekly. Administer once weekly at any time of day, with or without meals.

Efficacy and safety: Approval is based on results from a Phase 3a clinical trial program, where Ozempic produced clinically meaningful and statistically significant reductions in A1c compared with placebo, sitagliptin, and exenatide extended-release. It also resulted in reduced body weight.

Side effects/risks: The most common adverse reactions are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation.